Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe

Introduction

Baked pears with goat cheese, honey, and cranberries make for a delightful and elegant dessert or snack. This dish combines the natural sweetness of pears with creamy goat cheese and tart cranberries, all brought together by a touch of honey and warm spices. It’s simple to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe but firm pears (Bartlett or Bosc), halved and cored
• 3 oz goat cheese
• 1/3 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 tbsp honey (plus more for drizzling)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Slice pears in half lengthwise and scoop out the cores. If needed, trim the bottoms so they can sit flat in the baking dish.
3. Step 3: Place pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish. Add a small pat of butter to each half.
4. Step 4: Roast the pears for about 20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and lightly golden.
5. Step 5: While the pears bake, simmer cranberries with 2 tablespoons of honey in a small saucepan over low heat until the berries burst slightly, creating a warm fruit sauce.
6. Step 6: Remove pears from the oven and let them cool slightly. Fill each pear half with goat cheese.
7. Step 7: Spoon the warm cranberry mixture over the goat cheese and drizzle with extra honey to taste.
8. Step 8: Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
9. Step 9: Serve warm or slightly chilled for a versatile treat.

Tips & Variations

• Use firm pears to ensure they hold their shape during baking without becoming mushy.
• Swap fresh cranberries for dried cranberries quickly softened in warm water if fresh are unavailable.
• Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.
• For a vegan version, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cheese and use vegan butter or coconut oil.
• A sprinkle of nutmeg or ginger can add a warm, spicy note alongside cinnamon.

Storage

Store leftover baked pears in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven to maintain texture before serving. For best flavor, prepare and serve fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of goat cheese?

Yes, soft cheeses like cream cheese, ricotta, or mascarpone work well as alternatives and provide a creamy contrast to the baked pears and cranberries.

What can I serve with baked pears?

Baked pears are delicious on their own or paired with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or alongside a light salad for a balanced meal.

Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 132 reviews

Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey, and Cranberries is a delightful and elegant dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe pears with creamy goat cheese, tangy cranberries, and a drizzle of honey. This recipe is easy to prepare, featuring baked pears softened to perfection and topped with a warm, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, making it a perfect treat for special occasions or a cozy evening.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings (2 pear halves each) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Pears

• 3 ripe but firm pears (Bartlett or Bosc), halved and cored
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Toppings

• 3 oz goat cheese
• 1/3 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 tbsp honey (plus more for drizzling)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the pears evenly.
2. Prepare Pears: Slice the pears in half lengthwise and scoop out the cores. If needed, trim the bottoms so they can sit flat in the baking dish.
3. Arrange Pears in Baking Dish: Place the pear halves cut-side up in a baking dish and put a small pat of unsalted butter on each half to add richness while baking.
4. Roast Pears: Roast the pears in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they become fork-tender and develop a golden color.
5. Make Cranberry Sauce: While the pears are roasting, simmer the fresh cranberries with 2 tablespoons of honey in a saucepan over low heat until the berries burst slightly and the sauce thickens.
6. Add Goat Cheese: After removing pears from the oven and allowing them to cool slightly, fill each pear half with goat cheese.
7. Top with Cranberries and Honey: Spoon the warm cranberry mixture over the goat cheese in each pear and drizzle with additional honey for extra sweetness.
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon if desired. Serve the baked pears warm or slightly chilled for best flavor.

Notes

• Choose firm but ripe pears such as Bartlett or Bosc for best results.
• If you prefer a vegan version, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
• The baked pears can be served warm for a comforting dessert or chilled for a refreshing treat.
• Ground cinnamon and fresh mint garnish are optional but add extra flavor and visual appeal.
• You can prepare the cranberry sauce ahead of time and reheat before assembling.

Keywords: baked pears, goat cheese dessert, honey cranberries, healthy dessert, fall dessert, fruit dessert, simple baked pears